One of the most tragic elements of driving under the influence of alcohol is the lightning speed with which a relatively minor infraction can be transformed into a serious accident or even a felony. The recent death of a Visalia man in an accident blamed on alcohol demonstrates this tragic point.
The accident
The collision occurred on July 24, 2021 when a car heading north on Road 92 failed to follow the yellow line denoting a right-hand curve. The car, still heading north, moved into the southbound lane and smashed into a southbound pickup truck being driven by a 19-year-old man from Visalia. The driver of the truck suffered fatal injuries when he was thrown from the vehicle. The passenger in the northbound vehicle also suffered major injuries in the collision.
Allegations of alcohol use
According to the California Highway Patrol officers at the scene, the driver of the vehicle that missed the curve was intoxicated. The man was arrested and taken to Kaweah Health Medical Center before being booked on a felony DUI charge and a vehicular manslaughter charge.
What next?
The allegations in this case are very serious. If convicted, the defendant could face a significant period of incarnation, a sizeable fine and loss of driving privileges. Anyone facing similar charges would benefit from consulting an experienced DUI defense attorney. A knowledgeable defense lawyer can provide an evaluation of the evidence, suggest various legal arguments to bolster the defense, and, where appropriate, assist in negotiating an acceptable plea bargain.
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